Danielle Wilson – Client Adviser
We are delighted to spotlight Danielle Wilson, one of our brilliant Client Advisers and a valued member of the team. Danielle brings a wonderful blend of expertise, warmth, and local insight that makes her an absolute asset to both colleagues and clients.
A bit about Danielle
When she’s not supporting clients, Danielle can almost always be found diving deep into the world of true crime and criminal psychology. Whether it’s books, documentaries, or even specialist seminars, she’s always keen to learn more about the subject. It’s a passion that reflects her natural curiosity and her desire to really understand people, something that shines through in her work every day.
What Danielle does at James Hallam
Danielle plays a key role in looking after our clients within the mid and high-net-worth space. She manages renewals, supports existing clients, and prepares new quotations with care and precision. Her knowledge of the local Scottish and wider northern markets gives her a unique edge, allowing her to provide tailored, meaningful advice that clients truly value.
Experience & journey so far
Danielle’s insurance career began straight out of school when she joined a local broker as an office junior. It didn’t take long for her to realise how much she loved helping people feel protected and supported. After several years of learning the ropes, she moved on to a larger firm where she spent nine years deepening her knowledge and expanding her expertise.
Today, at James Hallam, Danielle continues to grow, contribute, and thrive, bringing over a decade of experience to every client interaction.
Achievements & growth
Over the past year, Danielle has been working toward her CII qualification – a milestone that reflects her commitment to continuous professional development. She takes pride in building confidence and trust with clients, and this qualification is another step in ensuring the very best service.
In her own words
My favourite part of this job is simple: helping people feel protected when life feels uncertain. If I can make someone feel a little more secure, a little more prepared, or a little less worried, then I’ve done something worthwhile.
We’re grateful to have Danielle as part of the team – her expertise, enthusiasm, and genuine care make a real difference every single day.
Blake Alford – Senior Client Adviser
We are delighted to spotlight Blake Alford, one of our accomplished Senior Client Advisers and a valued member of the team. Blake brings an impressive depth of experience, technical expertise, and a genuine commitment to client service that makes him an invaluable asset to both colleagues and clients.
A bit about Blake
When he’s not supporting clients, Blake has quite the story to tell. He once ran the Brighton Marathon without any training whatsoever and in a pair of trainers that were two sizes too big! It’s the kind of achievement that speaks volumes about his determination and willingness to take on a challenge, qualities that translate brilliantly into his work every day.
What Blake does at James Hallam
Blake plays a pivotal role in our Private Clients team, focusing on building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients. He takes the time to truly understand their current and future needs, managing renewals and policy adjustments with care and precision. Blake also negotiates terms, premiums, and conditions with insurers on behalf of clients, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes. Additionally, he manages our in-house high-net-worth binder and has the authority to write renewals and adjustments directly – a responsibility that reflects the trust placed in his expertise.
Experience & journey so far
Blake’s insurance career spans nearly 12 years and began at Zenith Insurance, where he started as an Insurance Administrator in the Operational Underwriting Team. His talent and dedication quickly earned him a promotion to the Technical Team as an investigator, where he handled claim referrals involving misrepresentations. From there, Blake moved into a Product Analyst role, working with broker systems and supporting the integration of insurer products into platforms such as CDL, Open GI, and SSP. In 2016, Blake joined James Hallam, where he has been an integral part of the Private Clients team ever since.
Achievements & growth
Blake is committed to continuous professional development and has completed the Level 3 Certificate in Insurance qualification, alongside various Excel workshops to sharpen his technical skills. Going above and beyond, he also studied and completed the Level 3 Certificate in Cyber Security Practices in his own time – a qualification he hopes will add value and benefit our clients as cyber risks continue to evolve.
What Blake brings to the team
Blake brings in-depth knowledge of insurance markets, solid negotiation skills, and a highly analytical approach to every client interaction. His technical background and years of industry experience mean he can navigate complex situations with confidence, always with the client’s best interests at heart.
We’re grateful to have Blake as part of the team – his expertise, resilience, and genuine dedication to his clients make a real difference every single day.
Cherry Markham – Senior Client Adviser
We’re delighted to spotlight Cherry Markham, one of our dedicated Senior Client Advisers within the Private Clients Team, based in our London office. Cherry is known for her calm, thorough approach and her commitment to delivering excellent service to every client she supports.
A bit about Cherry
Outside of work, Cherry is an avid reader with a particular love for fantasy and historical fiction. Whether it’s escaping into an imaginative new world or getting lost in a richly detailed period novel, reading is her favourite way to unwind and recharge.
What Cherry does at James Hallam
In her day-to-day role, Cherry is a key point of contact for our private clients. Her responsibilities include assisting clients with queries, making policy amendments, and managing renewals from start to finish. Where needed, she also undertakes remarketing to ensure clients continue to receive the most appropriate cover. Her attention to detail and client-focused mindset help ensure a smooth and reassuring experience at every stage.
Experience & journey so far
Cherry began her insurance career in January 2012, after spending several years working in the retail sector. She joined a broker in Berkhamsted as a junior in the personal lines team, where she quickly developed a strong foundation in insurance. During this time, she studied for and successfully achieved her Cert CII qualification, demonstrating her commitment to learning and professional development.
She joined James Hallam in August 2018 and has continued to grow in her role, building strong relationships with clients and becoming a valued member of the Private Clients Team.
We are very pleased to have Cherry as part of the James Hallam team, and we thank her for the professionalism and care she brings to her role every day.